North Raleigh Today

In North Carolina, older former prisoners face significant challenges in securing employment, a finding that mirrors trends within the broader labor market. A review of data from 2022 shows that only 39% of individuals aged 40 or older who were released from prison obtained employment within a year. This is less favorable compared to the 48% of those between ages 30 and 40 and 51% of those under 30 who secured jobs in the same timeframe.

Despite their diminished chances of employment, older individuals are less likely to be re-incarcerated. The figures reveal that only 21% of those aged 40 or older returned to prison within a year after release. This compares to the 27% recidivism rate for those aged 30 to 40 and 30% for individuals under 30.

The seeming contradiction between lower employment prospects and lower recidivism rates among older former prisoners can be partly explained by lifestyle factors. Older individuals are generally less active, both socially and physically, and are less inclined to participate in the workforce or engage in criminal activities compared to their younger counterparts.

The analysis points to the importance of considering demographic differences in economic and criminal justice statistics. Aggregate data may outline general trends across the state, but individuals' experiences can vary depending on factors such as age and social standing.

The North Carolina Reentry Outcome Reporting System (NC-RORS) provides more detailed data on post-prison employment outcomes. This includes breakdowns by various demographic factors like age, sex, and race, which can offer further insights into the reentry process. More information is available at https://analytics.nccommerce.com/NC-RORS/.